Case File: 002
Washington, DC,
07 September 1948

My mind is still in a whirlwind. This day has not gone how I expected it to. Let me start with the events of last night. The party started as planned. Ta’Nisha was unsuspecting of anything and we blended well. Unfortunately, things went awry at the last moment. I have my suspicions that Mary Tituba was intentionally thwarting are plans, though I have no real proof of that. I do have enough circumstantial evidence, however. Shortly before midnight she took one of the guest up to the soundproofed room. When Art went to take Ta’Nisha up there for the fake shooting, he found it occupied, alerted me, and took the front room. Changing my plans, I chased them from the rooms and intended to the do the same with Mary. Contriving a story about Everett needing her, I hoped to remove her from the place before we started the last act.

Unfortunately, I failed. I tried everything I could think of, but she wasn’t to be moved. Not wishing to violently eject her, I sent Dr. Yaqub to babysit her and ensure she stayed out of the situation. She could time jump back to 2033 when she had a chance. However, Mary proved to be more violent than I suspected. Upon hearing the gunshot, she went to investigate. When Dr. Yaqub stepped in her way, she attacked Dr. Yaqub; knocking her out and fracturing her skull.

Next, Bill tried to stop her, but she was having none of it. He tried to push her back and slam the door to stop her progress. Instead, he ended up in the hallway and she was past him. Art tried a different tack. Instead of trying to stop a force of nature, he bent with it. He led her to where we were, while sub-vocally telling us to leave. He’d clean things up. No sooner had we left the alleyway when Mary and Art made it to the alleyway.

Art tells me she was furious and called Bill more names than a sailor can think up when he drops an anchor on his toe. She demanded to know where Mary was being taken. Art told her that I had accidentally shot a cop who interceded between Art and Ta’Nisha. He was demanding money not to bust the organization for prostitution. I pulled a gun and threatened to shoot him and accidentally pulled the trigger when he advanced. Thinking quickly, Art said he told us to run while he and Bill figured out if there was a partner around. Thinking the man in the office upstairs was a cop, Bill asked who was upstairs. Bill was just trying to keep Mary from seeing the body in the office. She demanded to know where I was taking her again. Art told her that we maintained a safe house in the city. With all the talk about communism and FBI probes, etc. we thought it prudent. We ran into similar problems in Detroit. He told her to go to 750 6th St. S.E. and knock 5 times on the door. Wait and then knock three more times. I’d let her in. He encouraged her to go quickly while he and Bill cleaned up the scene. She seemed to buy the story because she left.

By this time Bill had patched Dr. Yaqub up and recovered the story related earlier. Both Art and I directed Bill to jump back to 2033 to give her the medical attention she needed. Jessica, Liuhua, and I could take care of Ta’Nisha. We only needed to get her to the clinic. In fact the ? was increasing as we turned South on Route 1 to make our escape from the city.

That’s when things changed. Suddenly, things went dark red. Ta’Nisha was closer to yellowish-orange and Jessica pointed out a man getting into a cab. Having only three people in the team presented a problem. Since the man was leaving a hotel, we drove to the same hotel intending to get a room so Liuhua and Ta’Nisha could be off the street. The story was that Ta’Nisha was drunk and needed a place to sleep. Unfortunately, the doorman told her they didn’t allow “her” (Ta’Nisha) type in the hotel. Liuhua told him the Ambassador would be very upset. The woman was a personal servant of his. She then slipped him a $20. The man consented, but told them to go in the back entrance. He was in such a disagreeable mood, she couldn’t ask about the man we wanted to follow. While she struggled to get Ta’Nisha to a room, Jessica and I followed the man. His cab drove him to the airport and dropped him off in the departures area.

As I followed him through the airport, I noticed he was looking out for people following him. He definitely didn’t belong here. Fortunately, I was able to quietly follow him through the airport onto the tarmac; where he headed toward the private hangars. After picking the lock on one of them owned by the law firm of Covington & Burling, LLC Atternys, he proceeded to enter a private plane. I observed him doing something inside and to the back of the plane, but couldn’t make out what was going on. Finally, he made is way to the front of the plane and I prepared to get the drop on him. Frank was still five to ten minutes away and I needed to buy time.

I pulled the 0.45 Victory we were armed with and told him to stop. We bantered back and forth, each trying to get some leverage on the other with neither side progressing. I threatened to shoot him if he didn’t follow my commands and he called my bluff. Fortunately, Frank was along then and told the presumed saboteur that he would indeed shoot him, even if I wouldn’t. I even believed Frank, as did the saboteur. I then proceeded to enter the plane to determine what maliciousness he was up to without much luck. I decided he may have poisoned some of the food or drinks and threw them away or poured them down the drain.
Whilst this was happening, Frank interrogated the man, until he bit into a suicide tablet. The man died quickly and with him went any secret he was guarding. I watched him die and as I did so, watched the τ return to a pale yellowish green state. Whatever he was doing was aborted. Not wanting to cart around a dead body, we left him in the office with a note pinned to him explaining he way trying to sabotage the plane and was stopped. Hopefully, the authorities quarantine the plane until it can be checked out.

Case File: 002
Washington, DC,
06 September 1948

Time: 5:25 PM

T-4 days. Friday is Ta’Nisha’s last day on Earth unless we are successful. Things are progressing well. We have 17 businessmen attending. We asked Everett for  Ta’Nisha Jackson,  Mary Tituba, Peggy Meghan,  Betty Westbrook, Marjorie Greer, Iris Hopkins,  Beth Miller, and Virginia Morton. Unfortunately, Beth Miller was already engaged tonight. We agreed on Shirley Etherton to replaced her. I’m expecting them in the next 30 minutes. It occurs to me that this will be the last time I see them.

We also tested the soundproofing accomplished by Art. Earlier today he tested the sound of our pistols to that of the firecrackers. He also shot a reduced grain round with a blank in it, reducing the sound significantly. Later we tested the firecracker in the soundproofed room and found that you could barely hear it across the street. Of course, this is during the day. At night it will be much less noisy. On the other hand, the sound of the gun is lower as well. Art, Bill, and Jessica all agree that it might be heard, but the sound of conversation would easily cover the sound. Our neighbors might hear it, but our tails probably won’t.

For the moment, I’m out of more ideas to prepare better. I might as well enjoy the next 7 hours. It will be a long night afterwards. I don’t think we’ll be stopping until Hagerstown, MD.

Case File: 002
Washington, DC,
05 September 1948

Today, I felt never before like a I imagine a general before a war. There are so many parts moving in different directions and I’m managing them all. Each member of the team has activities to do:

Bill

Bill has secured the blanks for the pistol. He has loaded them and tied an orange string around it, so we all are aware of which ones it is. He was also to purchase a van. However, there weren’t any vans for sale, so he has secured us a pickup truck for Monday night. He has fashioned a tent over the back of it, which is not atypical of many in this time frame. Per our updated getaway plan, he also obtained a delivery van. It won’t be very comfortable, but it will get us to Lexington in more comfort than the pickup.

Liuhua

Liuhua has researched wealthy home owners in Kentucky that may have openings. She found one. In June, Roy Mahlon Shelbourne was made the first Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky in Louisville. He has recently moved into a larger home in Louisville and is hiring for it. Unfortunately, Ta’Nisha will be in the treatment clinic for 3 months. I’ve talked to him about holding a space and he is thinking about it. I will call again on Monday.

Dr. Yaqub

Dr. Yaqub has talked to the St. Paul’s AUMP Church pastor about churches for Ta’Nisha once in Lousiville, KY. Unfortunately, they only have churches in the mid-Atlantic area and nothing that far south. Next up was the  St. Mathew Baptist Church. There she found success. The Baptist tradition is alive and well in Kentucky and the pastor gave Dr. Yaqub some contacts.

Jessica

Jessica has bought us all tickets to all of us, but Art, tickets to Lexington. Art has a ticket to Louisville. In addition, she has helped Art with the modifications to one of the offices to make it soundproofed as much as possible.

Art

Art had two main functions: 1) To soundproof one of the rooms for the party; and 2) obtain a second identity for Ta’Nisha. Number 1 has been finished and the new name has been mostly established. He will obtain the documents on Monday.

I think all is set for Monday.

Case File: 002
Washington, DC,
03 September 1948

Time: 12:58 AM

I was visited today by Mary Tituba–always a pleasant prospect. However, her news disturbed me. After Mary and Ta’Nisha left us they headed back to their apartment. On the way there, Everett and Wolf met them and demanded to know where they were tonight. The girls told Everett they were on a date and he exploded. His take was down last night because of them. Wolf punched Ta’Nisha and rounded on Mary, but she told them they’d take double the clients today and tomorrow. They’d repay him the lost wages by Monday. He told them that they had better. He would “hate to show the others what happens when a whore becomes lazy.” Mary is risking herself by taking the time to tell me rather than getting new clients. She also mentioned that some of the others seem to be actively taking Ta’Nisha’s johns, “because she’s so horrid she can’t even hook well!”

Chagrined, I immediately gave her their usual fee. I added 10% for a mea culpa to Everett. I also asked her to tell Everett that we’d be paying 10% more on Monday night for the party.

Case File: 002
Washington, DC,
03 September 1948

Time: 02:58 AM

I should be tired. I need to be at the office at 8:00. Actually, I’ll call the office and let Liuhua know, I will be late. She’ll chastise me, but I will need the time. I know I cannot go to bed right now and don’t suspect I’ll sleep until closer to 5:00. The alcohol is having its effect, but my feelings of exuberance are drowning it out. The night went much more successful than I ever could have imagined. Bill, Ta’Nisha, Mary Tituba, and I went out for supper at Pomodoro’s Greek-Italian Restaurant. Yes, it was blue-class faire and not supper at the London in New York. Still, it was better than Ta’Nisha has seen in a long while. My feelings of joy come from two places: 1) all my objectives for the evening were met and 2) Mary Tituba is charming and wonderful to be around. I saw no evidence of any spiteful talking on her part and she even encouraged us to go out again Saturday night. I may take her up on that. Ta’Nisha followed along and I truly am seeing Mary as the leader in the relationship.

As for Ta’Nisha, she remembers going with her mother to the Senator’s house and has always wished she could do the same. Although her mother’s treatment wasn’t always the best, the surrounding were exquisite. As she said more than once, if you’re going to be put down where better than a rich man’s house. I haven’t thought about that, but when the option is to be mistreated on a dismal, dark, dank, smelly street or in a well-lit, comfortable place, why wouldn’t you chose the rich establishment?

I mentioned our transplant idea and explained that we were looking for good opportunities within the Everett’s girls. However, May reminded us that Everett doesn’t let his girls go willingly. Ta’Nisha blanched at that reminder and rubbed her arm. Mary noticed my observation and whispered in my ear that Everett had nearly broken arm one night, when she told him she was thinking of heading to Richmond to live closer to her brother. She told me it would me difficult finding a woman who would agree to go.

Case File: 002
Washington, DC,
01 September 1948

I’m making this unique mid-morning entry after an excellent team meeting. Overnight, I asked people to think about how things went and potential ways of removing Ta’Nisha from the current situation. the responded excellently and proposed many more ideas than I had thought of myself. Overnight, I came to the conclusion to abandon my original plan of simply providing a support system for Ta’Nisha for two main reasons: 1) Her here-to-fore unknown drug addiction (and addictive personality); and 2) I am becoming increasingly concerned about one or more individuals intentionally subverting the ?. It has occurred to me that during our last mission, one woman was intentionally acting against us. In this scenario, it seems to be true as well. I am not convinced whether it is Pauline or Mary Tituba. As much as I believe it to be Pauline, I cannot shake off my doubts of a woman who’s last name is the same as the only black witch and whose case set off the Salem Witch Trials. For now, however, I keep my hypothesis to myself. Once I have good evidence, I will see what the team thinks. For now, however, I watch and evaluate.

Back to the team. We spent from 8-11 discussing options with the following plan:

1. Thursday night we get her comfortable with us.
2. We host another party early next week.
3. At that party, Art takes Ta’Nisha in a back room, presumably for her to ply her trade.
4. Bill busts in claiming Art is an undercover policeman and shoots him (with blanks)
5. Art dies, while the rest of the team arrive on scene
6. Frank determines that they need to get out of dodge and Ta’Nisha needs to come with them; a black prostitute near a dead white cop doesn’t look too good and she’ll be fingered for something is not outright blamed for the death.
7. The group will head to Lexington, KY to hide out; in truth, we will use the travel time to convince Ta’Nisha to enter the drug rehabilitation center there. I will tell her we’ll set her up with a a new life and new skills. My research has shown this to be effective and I need to make the situation right.
8. Art, meanwhile will head to Cleveland (Or whatever city we decide on) to find a church and a local sponsor for her. Dr. Yaqub recommended some place in or near Lexington so as to not have her travel too much.

Some notes for myself:

• I need to call the Facility in Kentucky to have a bed reserved for her
• We need to decide on a method of transportation for travel
• We need to decide on a city and an occupation [I will talk to her on Thursday night about this]

Case File: 002
Washington, DC,
31 August 1948

Tonight was an exceptionally good night. We had 36 businessmen show up, not bad for such late notice. More importantly, Ta’Nisha seems to like both Bill and Art. When Art asked her back on Thursday she readily accepted. On a more personal note, she also told Bill and Art that she has a cat that she views as her most prized possession. Neither approached her with anything negative and stayed on light topics. I always thought that I was able to get close to people quickly, but I am truly impressed at how easily Art is able to blend from one scene to another. When talking to the businessmen, he is a businessman. When talking to Ta’Nisha, he’s a friend. When teaching he’s a mentor. Truly wonderful to watch.

Aside from watching Art work, I was able to talk to Mary Tituba. Apart from being a stunningly beautiful woman she is delightful creature with a quick wit and a provocative feel about her. I am truly surprised that she’s not Everett’s number 1 money maker. I also have trouble believing that she is the horrid creature that we’ve heard about. I heard none of that tone in her voice, nor did I see it while watching from afar. Mary mentioned a few things that help me understand the situation much better. First, Pauline Dial is very cynical. A fact that I observed myself on that night. Mary’s opinion is that Pauline cannot understand why someone like Mary would help Ta’Nisha. She’s also very jealous of Sarah Ransom’s leadership and does what she can to undermine Sarah. This is something else I saw that night. My professional opinion is that Pauline wields the most influence in the group and resents Sarah’s bloc. Sarah doesn’t really seem to care about the influence that Pauline wants and goes her own way. This just serves to displease Pauline even more. I’m beginning to think that Sarah and Pauline won’t see eye to eye on much because of Pauline’s jealousy.

Mary also gave me some good information on Ta’Nisha. Ta’Nisha rebelled against her mother shortly after her brothers left for the war. She started drugs at 13 under the influence of her older friends. This was the first of several poor choices she made. Basically, Ta’Nisha is an extremely gullible woman with low self-esteem. Once she was hooked on opium, it was easy for Everett to get her to start prostituting for drugs and/or money. It wasn’t long after that she left her home. Mary felt sorry for her and offered for her to stay in her apartment. She tries to help Ta’Nisha by pointing out when she’s being gullible and help her as a mother would do. Unfortunately, the other girls pick on her relentlessly. The only people that don’t join in are herself, Peggy, and Sarah. Sometimes the worse teasing comes from Pauline.

In the end, I think I am beginning to understand the bleak life that Ta’Nisha has formed for herself:

1. She’s  gullible allowing her to believe the lies of the C-Crew and Everett. This also leads her to believe that things will get better without her help
2. She’s weak-willed, making it next to impossible for her to gather up the courage to make a stand for herself. She doesn’t possess the kind of internal fortitude to make decisions by herself at this time
3. #1 and #2 are addictive of an addictive personality; NB. people suffering from addictive personality disorder are very much sensitive to stress. They find it highly intimidating to tolerate frustrating situations, even if it is for a very short duration. Such people often lack self-esteem, show impulsive behavior and usually have a sense of heightened level of stress.
4. This has led her to Opium as a way out. However, the effect of the opium (lethargy) and addiction force her to pay a significant amount of her income to the C-Crew

At this point, Ta’Nisha is in a negative feedback cycle. Her poor self-image allows her to prostitute herself. Her feelings of shame and anger (at herself and her family) cause her to flee to opium. The opium drains her money. Between needing more money and her feelings of shame at taking the trust force her into prostituting herself. I fear the only way out of this cycle is a radical change of situation. A change of situation which she will unlikely not initiate herself.

Case File: 002
Washington, DC,
30 August 1948

T-11 days.  We’ve made good progress, but I fear it may have been too slow. On Saturday, we met with the Reverend Marcus D’Aubray of St. Pauls AUMP church and he agreed to talk to Pauline and Shirley about coming to a community focus group when he saw them on Sunday (We also invited 3 more unrelated prostitutes and 5 community members). Also invited were myself and Dr. Yaqub.

As we had announced before the intent was to focus on prostitution and the discontent that it brings to those within the community; both prostitutes and community leaders. Though, I was unsuccessful in getting Rev. D’Aubray to avoid statements condemning the occupation, I was able to get him focused on the discontent and violence associated with the trade.

Both Pauline and Shirley contributed and gave us a fairly good picture of the inner workings of the group. There are 17 in the group. Typically 3 prostitutes are on each corner of K, L, 3rd, and 4th. 3 are on K, North of the Complex and 3 South of the Complex. These numbers vary greatly depending on the day, the time, and the amount of customers. The women expressed most fear of their customers, although they admitted the gang and Everett actually accounted for more injuries than their customers did.

Almost all expressed fear of leaving their pimps because of the retribution involved.  People have been killed for doing so without permission of the pimp. The police don’t really care. The group, as a whole, are very weak willed and couldn’t ever be considered good material for a revolt against the pimps. I was able to discern in many of them a fear for losing their supply of drugs that was stronger than their fear for their safety.

Another surprise was in store for me that night. Although, I knew that many picked on Ta’Nisha, I was a little unprepared for the character of some of the women. Both groups of women, those within the C-Crew’s grasp, and those from another pimp, raised the issue of sadistic individuals. Because of the women’s low self esteem and ability to defend themselves, these groups attract men and women who enjoy debasing and humiliating women. These people are active in both groups. Three names within the C-Crew ring popped up with one surprise: Virginia Mealy, Mary Walding, and Mary Tituba. The last is Ta’Nisha’s roommate. When pressed, Pauline gave a few examples of Mary’s belittling of Ta’Nisha in front of the other girls and seeming to enjoy it. After others join the bandwagon, Mary seems to step into the background. As Ta’nisha’s roommate it is very destructive. Ta’Nisha, however, doesn’t see this and sees Mary as a friend. In fact, often Mary is very helpful of Ta’Nisha. Pauline can’t figure it out.

As a team, we’ve decided on the following plan:

Tuesday night, we’ve organized a get-together at the Lincoln School. We’ve invited 50 local businessmen and black leaders and are having it catered. We also hired Ta’Nisha, Mary Tituba, Pauline Dial, Sarah Ransom, Peggy Meghan, Irene Hopkins, Betty Westbrook, and Marjorie Greer. We told Everett we wanted them specifically as we’ve heard several people we are inviting are attracted to them. Everett agreed after we paid for them for the whole night. Their job is to  to decorate, serve, and clean-up afterward. We’ll present some early ideas for our civil rights demonstration, look for ideas, supporters, etc. The basic idea will be to talk to the girls a lot, especially during set-up and clean-up. We’ll want mostly to put Ta’Nisha more at ease around us and watch her carefully — see if she opens up to any of us. If anything starts between the girls, be close enough to overhear what is said. Also, we’ll talk to Tituba and see what she has to say about Ta’Nisha and why she’s so mean to her.

Thursday night, we have  set up a party/dance at the same place for the girls who helped us on Tuesday. We’ll try and get Ta’Nisha on a date is she’s interested in cross-racial dating. If not, then maybe we can convince her to go out as a group.

1. If she connects with Frank. If so, this will be a single date with Frank and Ta’Nisha.
2. If she connects with Bill or Art. If so, this will be a double date with Frank and Dr. Yakub as the other pair.
3. If she connects with one of the women. If so, this will be a double date with Frank and Bill as the two men.

On the other hand, if she doesn’t connect with anyone, I’ll certainly consider “hiring” her services for an evening. That, of course, will be much more difficult, as she won’t be in a mood to share with a “customer”.

Case File: 002
Washington, DC,
23 August 1948

Art had warned me that even though I convinced “Bob” that we weren’t communists, they may still tail us and he was right. I’ve taken to saying, “Hi Bob, today’s a fine day, don’t you think?” whenever I pass him. For his part, he typically responds, “Why yes it is, Doctor. A fine day to be an American!” “Quite right!” I often respond and then tell him I’m on my way to the Carrollsburg Complex if he’s interested in coming along. It’s a fine game.

On another note, our classes start this week with some good numbers. This talks to our success:

1. Monday
   1. Literacy – Jessica, Dr. Yaqub – 10 Registrants
   2. Conflict resolution – Frank- 4 Registrants
2. Tuesday
   1. Basic finance – Liuhua- 13 Registrants
   2. Combating depression – Frank – 5 Registrants
3. Wednesday
   1. Your legal rights – Art- 12 Registrants
   2. Suicide prevention – Frank- 2 Registrants
4. Thursday
   1. Developing a positive self-image – Dr. Yaqub- 5 Registrants
   2. Self defense – Jessica, Bill- 6 Registrants

Dr. Yaqub was also able to identify St Paul’s AUMP Church on 401 I Street SE as one where both Pauline Dial and Shirley Etherton attend. She has approached their pastor once, and next week will get her and I a meeting with him..

Case File: 002
Washington, DC,
21 August 1948

Just after breakfast, Jessica showed me her new toy. I couldn’t have done better myself. She had fashioned a scanner out of a Ham radio and some additional parts that automated the scan. She trained Liuhua is its use and hit the sack, while Bill, Art, Dr. Yaqub, and I headed out for our chores. Though it was a good day for getting the word out Liuhua was unsuccessful honing in on their signal. There was lots of other chatter going on, however. Police, Secret Service, FBI, Chinese, Russian, and a whole lot of other things. By 4:00, our feet were really feeling the effects of walking all day. I think I know why they called beat cops flat feet now!

By that time, Jessica was awake and suggested a new plan. Since we were all tired it made sense to gather for a beer and then supper. While there one or two people could slip out the back. If four went in, but only two came out that would create chatter. We agreed and Bill led us to a rather tacky Italian place that seemed to be only good for darkened corners (to hide the food?) and a good supply of Italian and German beers. When we arrived together and headed in, we struck paydirt. Jessica and Liuhua overhead someone state: “Team 2, head to the rear door of the restaurant.” then “Team 2 in place. Team 1 you have the front door.” and “Affirmative”. Then all silent.

We talked about the possibilities, with Art pointing out he had made the second of the team following them. However, we had no clue about the other team. We decided then to leave the place together, but quickly separate into two groups. One team would have to rush to catch up and then we might see them. Furthermore, Art added that one pair also split up to make three groups. This will force them into deciding what to do and perhaps force more chatter. With that plan, we left–and struck paydirt.

The pair already identified followed Art and Bill, so that wasn’t much of a help. As the two split up, so did the tailing team. Interesting. What was more interesting, however, was my experience. In fact, I have to admit that I understand Art’s excitement over “the game” as he calls it. As Dr. Yaqub and I approached the office, I decided to head across the street to check out the front door to see if I could find our tail. Fortunately, my late decision to do this succeeded brilliantly. Crossing the street was a man, I know I had seen before. When I looked both ways I saw in stop and look directly at me and then at dr. Yaqub as if trying to make a decision. Interestingly, Dr. Yaqub had picked that moment to furtively check for a tail before opening the door. In a flash, both of us had locked him in our sights as he stalled, like a deer in the headlights in the middle of the road.

Smiling, I approached him and struck up a conversation. I will record here our conversation as I remember it. (Mental note: Attach a recorder to our hearing for next mission)
Frank:

Hello there! Dr. Giordano. Call me Frank, please. And you are?

The man pauses and reaches out his hand and says:

You da guy dat runs dis here place?

Frank:

Yes, sir. That’s right. Though we’re more of a team effort than anything else. What can I do for you, Mr. …

He pauses significantly to give the man a chance to identify himself, though he doesn’t really believe that the man will do so. Throughout this conversation, he will leave his sub-vocal communicator on so that the rest of the team can listen in and know A) what he says that they might need to repeat later, and B) send help should things go badly.

Man:

What I was wonderin’, why is it you want to help them negros like you do?

Frank laughs:

Well, sir, that’s because I have great respect for Thomas Jefferson and our Declaration of Independence.

Man:

What’s they got to do wit it?

Frank:

Mr. Jefferson, our esteemed third president and the Declaration’s author, wrote in that most worthy document that “ALL men are created equal”. If “all men” are good enough for Mr. Jefferson and the other 55 founding fathers who signed it, well, I say they’re good enough for me, too. How about you, sir? Would you say that you stand in defense of our Declaration or opposed to it?

Man:

So’s your a Patriot, are you? Jus’ lookin’ out for our constitution. Je’s like those fellers at that other Congress, right.

Frank:

Other Congress? Now if you’re talking about those idiots at the Civil Rights Congress, I must vehemently deny your claim. Defend the Commies and all that? No, you’re about talking political ideologies there. We’re working at a much more basic level. Equal rights for all men. Voting rights. Rights to live life in the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. The American dream, friend, that’s what we’re promoting here, not some Leninist-Marxist rubbish that thrives on the restriction of liberties. If that’s who you’re here to promote, you can just keep on walking. On the other hand, if you wish to help make America stronger, you’re more than welcome to join us.

Man:

What? Restrict liberties? Naw, they don’t do dat, they free de workers from the employers. Look around you. You really think equal rights are gonna this hell hole? It’s not until the workers unite that they can change things. I thought you got dat?

Frank:

Well, that’s rather a generic statement. You could almost be a union organizer with a statement like that. So please, tell me your grand scheme. I’m interested in hearing whether you are proposing a Marxist, Leninist, or Stalinist future for the citizens of this country.
Or are you representing one of the fringe movements, or even something new and untried?

Man:

I have to tell you friend, I could never really tell them apart. Mayhaps you could explain the differences to me?

Frank:

Hmm. Not much of a revolutionary are you? Well, to be frank, I don’t see it as my place to educate you in basic communist ideology. I think a better approach would be for you to go back to your handlers and find out from them exactly which version of communism, or socialism, for that matter – they *are* very different things, you know – you’re trying to create here. When you get that straight, come back. We’ll sit down over a cup of coffee and I’ll explain at great length and in very concrete terms why whichever system it turns out you’re supporting is insupportable over the long term in modern civilized society. I’ll also explain very clearly why the basic philosophy of your “ideal” is completely incompatible with ours.

(The man looks confused; but Frank’s internal bullshit meter just pegs ways past red line): Incompatible? So, tell me, why do you know so much about it?

After that we ended up going to Rhonda’s Diner to discuss the finer points of communism. I’m convinced the man, who called himself “Bob” isn’t a communist,
although he never said one way or another. The man was very good at getting me to talk about my personal views on communists. In the end, I’m satisfied he believes we are not communists.